# Arrests following Rugby League World Cup gatherings

Date: 9 Nov 2026
Released by: New Zealand Police

## MediaRelease.co Summary

Counties Manukau Police arrested 13 people for disorder and bail offences at Rugby League World Cup-related gatherings over the weekend. District Commander Superintendent Shanan Gray said bottles were thrown at officers and fireworks fired towards and into petrol stations on Saturday night, while most fans celebrated lawfully. Police will stay visible across town centres until the tournament ends on Sunday.

## Original release

Counties Manukau Police arrested thirteen people at Rugby League World Cup-related gatherings over the weekend. As fans turned out across the district to cheer on their teams, the majority celebrated safely and lawfully. Counties Manukau District Commander, Superintendent Shanan Gray, says there were individuals whose behaviour fell well short of expectations. "Saturday night saw several examples of poor behaviour, with bottles thrown at Police and fireworks fired towards and into petrol stations. "This was unacceptable and created significant safety risks for officers and attendees.” The thirteen arrests were for disorder and bail offences. Unfortunately, the inconsiderate actions of a minority of fans affected some residents. “Police are aware that some locals were disrupted by noise generated during celebrations. “Officers continued working hard to manage the impact these gatherings have on locals while contending with significant crowd numbers and small groups of unruly fans. "Police were at locations throughout the district, engaging with these groups and doing all they could to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of supporters and the community,” Superintendent Gray says. Before the final whistle blows on the tournament this Sunday, Police will continue to be visible across town centres to ensure expectations are met and celebrations remain safe and considerate.

## Key details

- Issued by: New Zealand Police
- Published: 9 Nov 2026
- Publisher country: New Zealand

Original source: https://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/arrests-following-rugby-league-world-cup-gatherings
MediaRelease.co canonical URL: https://mediarelease.co/nz/mr02772-arrests-following-rugby-league-world-cup-09112026.html